Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To conduct forensic chemistry testing and examinations of a variety of case-related items and samples in support of criminal and other investigations; to maintain assigned laboratory instruments to ensure their effective operation, use, and repair, and to provide related training and expertise in their use; to participate in forensic research as directed.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Conducting forensic testing and examinations of a variety of case-related items and samples (e.g. fire debris, ignitable liquids, paint, glass, gunshot residue, explosives) for qualitative identification and comparisons, and quantitative or semi-quantitative measurements of various analytes, components, or attributes by applying scientific techniques and utilizing sample processing and preparation systems and advanced analytical instrumentation; ensuring continuity and integrity of each item within established CFS policies and standard operating procedures; ensuring quality and accuracy of test results through continued participation in proficiency tests and conforming to accreditation requirements. Documenting and processing incoming and outgoing case-related items, materials, information, and documents. This will entail testing and examination using a range of analytical equipment and techniques involving chromatography, spectroscopy, and ancillary laboratory instrumentation.

2. Generating and collecting test results, analyzing preliminary findings, and applying quality assurance processes to confirm findings, ensure reliability and validity of results and ensure results conform to standards and procedures prior to providing observations, data findings, and detailed notes of observations of tests for interpretation and reporting by forensic scientists, or other authorized laboratory personnel as required.

3. Setting up, operating, maintaining, calibrating and validating assigned instrumentation to ensure effective operations and production of accurate and reliable results; installing new hardware; developing and maintaining the proficiency necessary to use computer application for instrument control, handling of items and samples, and data manipulation, storage and retrieval; drafting testing, validation, and operational procedures for new equipment; providing training to scientists, students and colleagues in the operation of assigned equipment; troubleshooting and performing repairs on equipment and arranging for service.

4. Maintaining the laboratorys inventory of supplies and purchasing supplies and equipment up to authorized limit; providing technical input to the preparation of specifications for the acquisition of major equipment.

5. Participating in validation of new instrumentation, development and validation of methods and improvements to existing methods and processes, and other in-house research in various aspects of forensic science and laboratory methodology as directed.

6. Providing testimony in a court of law, when required, regarding laboratory procedures, methods and protocols followed in the conduct of tests.

Knowledge :

Job requires:

- Completed post-secondary education from a university (degree) or community college (diploma or certificate) in one of the physical, life or forensic sciences, or equivalent.

- Laboratory practices and techniques and scientific theories in such disciplines as chemistry and analytical chemistry and their application to forensic science to conduct the testing of a variety of forensic case exhibits and samples (e.g. fire debris, ignitable liquids, paint, glass, gunshot residue, explosives).

- Evidence handling procedures to ensure the preservation evidence in order to meet evidence requirements (e.g. continuity, chain of custody) of the courts of law of Ontario and accreditation protocols.

- CFS standard operating procedures, practices, and policies to ensure compliance in all activities.

- CFS quality assurance program to run assurance processes to confirm, validate and ensure reliability of test results.

- Legislative authorities (e.g. WHIMIS, Occupational Health and Safety) to ensure compliance.

- The court system and related protocols to ensure compliance when testifying in court if subpoenaed.

- Accreditation standards (e.g. American Society of Crime Lab Directors, Laboratory Accreditation Board) to ensure all standards are met.

- Leading edge and emerging technology in the field and the operations and capabilities of scientifically advanced testing instruments and hardware/software equipment, to set up, operate, maintain, calibrate and validate assigned instrumentation (e.g. thermal desorption GC, GC-MS and Pyrolysis GC-MS, FTIR, GRIM, XRD, SEM, IC, ICP); install hardware; write and edit macros and draft validating operational procedures.

Skills :

Job requires:

- Analytical skills to analyze preliminary results of laboratory tests of forensic evidence and samples and to conduct quality assurance processes to confirm findings, ensure reliability and validity of results and ensure results conform to standards and procedures.

- Analytical and problem solving skills to identify and resolve issues or problems related to samples or instruments, (e.g. when a test result may be erroneous, inadequate or un-interpretable) and to ensure appropriate logical interpretable scientific conclusions are arrived at to assist scientists in assessment of a case.

- Problem solving skills to troubleshoot problems with laboratory equipment (e.g. thermal desorption GC, GC-MS and Pyrolysis GC-MS, FTIR, GRIM, XRD, SEM, IC, ICP).

- Research skills to participate in internal research of new instrumentation, validation of methods and improvements to existing methods and processes.

- Problem solving skills to identify precautions to be taken in handling biohazards, flammable and toxic substances.

- Analytical skills to perform daily monitoring and checking of assigned laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy of data and appropriate calibration of equipment.

- Manual dexterity to manipulate sensitive instruments and samples with precision.

- Excellent colour vision, to discriminate samples (e.g. of paint, glass or soil) on the basis of colour

- Time management skills necessary to ensure efficient work flow of assigned tasks.

- Interpersonal skills necessary to work in a team environment, and on a one-on-one relationship with staff above and below.

- Written communication skills to prepare data findings and detailed notes of observations and tests.

- Written communication skills to draft operating procedures for new equipment.

- Oral communication and consultative skills to provide training to Scientists, students and colleagues in the operation of assigned equipment.

- Oral communication skills to provide testimony in a court of law, when required, regarding laboratory procedures, methods and protocols followed in the conduct of tests oral communication and interpersonal skills to arrange for servicing of assigned equipment.

Freedom of Action :

This job is operates within the Centre of Forensic Science standard operating procedures, quality assurance standards and policies, as well as international accreditation standards within own area of specialty. This job requires freedom in organizing ones own work to meet established case priorities, and in determining what types of instrumentation and sampling techniques to use to achieve results. This job requires seeking second opinions or guidance from Scientists regarding the case-related work. The incumbent in this job may be the technical person responsible for an assigned instrument and is expected to ensure it is maintained and fully operational, and it is the responsibility of the incumbent to ensure all test results are properly checked to ensure conformity with the CFS quality assurance program. The incumbent is required to advise the supervisor of such problems as health risks and equipment needs, operational contingencies and emergencies, and any deviations from standard methods and protocols.